The Committee of the Wellington Ladies' Christian Association on entering their seventh year present to the members a short report of work accomplished. They do it with pleasure, feeling that in several branches the success has been so marked that they can look back on the past with gratitude, and are encouraged to pray that God would still guide and bless them in all they do for His glory.

Home for Friendless Women, Newtown.

(See Report appended.)

Refuge, Nairn Street.

(See Report appended.)

Mothers' Meetings.

Newtown.—Mrs. Boxall and Mrs. Wright, who conduct this meeting speak of a success attending it far exceeding their expectations, not only in the numbers attending, but also in the great interest taken in the Bible—reading. At the last few meetings as many as from 12 to 20 have been present. During the year 34 meetings have been held.

Herbert Street.—This meeting was opened in January, 1881, and has been held regularly since that time. There are now 19 names on the books; average attendance 8. The interest taken in the meeting is very encouraging, and some who come to them seem to have received great benefit, being regularly found at a place of worship. It is believed that the good seed sown is already bringing forth good fruit.

Molesworth Street.—Miss Bennett reports of this meeting a great improvement in the attendance, 20 names being on the books; average attendance 10. The Bible reading is greatly appreciated. The libraries connected with the meetings are very much valued. It is with great regret the Committee have received Miss Bennett's resignation, she being greatly beloved by the Mothers, and being eminently suited for Christian work. It is earnestly trusted her meetings will not be permitted to collapse for want of a good leader.

Tea Meeting.

A United Mothers' Tea Meeting was held on the 17th March, in the Bethel, Herbert Street, which has been followed by a greater interest taken by the women in their meetings.

Tory Street.

An effort will shortly be made to start a fourth meeting in Tory Street, where it is believed one could be carried on which would prove a great blessing.

Dorcas Society.

The report of this branch of work is very encouraging. Soon after the Annual Meeting in 1884, a great check to the work was sustained by the disastrous fire in St. John's Church, by which all the stock in hand of materials, clothes, as well as the sewing-machine, was destroyed. This was more than made up to the Association by the liberality of many kind friends who came forward with donations in money, materials, and also from Singer's Sewing Machine Company, an excellent machine. To Mr. Parker, the Society owe a debt of gratitude, for his kindness in giving his valuable time and services, and also to the ladies and gentlemen who assisted him at the concert, by which a sum of £40 was realized, after all expenses were paid. The amount of work done in the year will be seen by the following summary:—Meetings held, 48; average attendance, 7; garments made, 644; quilts, 26; donations (new goods), 135; material, 76. Distributed: New garments, 544; quilts, 26; yards of material, 90. Donations, second-hand, 1,421; distributed, second-hand, 1,454. Material in stock, about 120 yards.

Sub-Committee.

The Sub-Committee have met twice a month, and has relieved about 96 cases. They are greatly assisted in this work by the Bible-woman, who visits necessitous cases, and reports them to the ladies for relief.

Bible-Woman.

In July last Mrs. Josey resigned her position as Bible-woman, and Mrs. Eade (who had come from Home, having been there employed as Bible-woman under the auspices of the Bible-Woman Mission of London), was engaged. She worked for the Association for about 7 months; during that time paying over 600 visits, and page 5 being greatly loved by the poor. After a short illness, she was removed by death to the great regret of the committee and of those who valued her services. That she was eminently suited for what she undertook was undoubted. Instances might be mentioned of good received through Mrs. Eades' simple way of setting forth the truth. One poor woman who lately died at Newtown, when first visited was quite ignorant and indifferent, died resting on Christ as her Saviour.

One man, a sceptic, through Mrs. Eades's visits became a Christian. Other cases might be recorded, but these will be sufficient to show that the work is not in vain. Mrs. Henry Wright, who is well known to many, has undertaken to carry on the work. It is pleasing to know that both she and Mrs. Eade have found a ready entrance into nearly every home they have visited. The plan adopted by Mrs. Wright is to take a street at a time, pay house to house visitations, read and pray where it is desirable, and to enquire into cases of distress.

The funds for carrying on this work are raised (specially) by weekly or monthly subscriptions collected by several young ladies, the treasurer being Miss Duthie. The Committee trust that before long the funds may be sufficient to support a second Bible-woman, the present district of Te Aro and Newtown being more than can possibly be visited by one person.

Shoe Club.

The Shoe Club, which began with four members, now numbers thirty. The amount paid in will be seen in the Treasurer's statement.

Gaol.

Visits to the Gaol have been regularly paid. Of late the visits appear to have been received with greater interest. It is trusted that at least a desire may be excited in the minds of the women for better things.

Conclusion.

In closing their report, may not the Committee say that there is much to encourage in the result of the labour of the year that has gone, and, at the same time, much to humble and make them long for an increased fitness for doing the Lord's work. They rejoice to see so many young people are doing what they can to help, but they long to see more coming forward to consecrate themselves to the service to Him to whom they owe all.